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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2010

HFS Director Barry Maram Resigns after Seven Years In Charge of Health Care and Child Support Agency

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) today announced the resignation of Director Barry S. Maram, concluding a seven-year period at the helm of the agency during which Illinois led the nation in providing health care for working families and children, and made dramatic improvements in Child Support services.

"I want to express my thanks and gratitude to Barry Maram for his fine record of service and accomplishment as director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services," said Governor Pat Quinn. "Throughout his tenure, Barry has been a tireless advocate for children, working parents and seniors. The people of Illinois have been well-served by him and we wish him well. I am also grateful that Barry has agreed to assist in the agency’s leadership transition and to advise it regarding Illinois’ implementation of President Obama’s health care reform plan."

Maram’s resignation will take effect after a new Director has been appointed to lead the agency, which is responsible for administering the state’s Medicaid, health care purchasing and Child Support Enforcement programs.

"Barry Maram has contributed to upgrading his agency in numerous ways," said Speaker of the House Mike Madigan. "He did an excellent job in a complex position under adverse conditions."

"I’ve known and worked closely with Barry for over 30 years, and Illinois has been fortunate for his leadership and great service," said Senate President John Cullerton. "He led HFS through great accomplishments and I know he will continue this record of achievement in his future endeavors."

Under Maram’s leadership, HFS was responsible for engineering a Hospital Assessment program that, when its three phases are complete, will have brought more than $6.2 billion in additional federal funds that would not otherwise have been provided into Illinois to support the state’s hospitals and other Medicaid providers.

During the last seven years, the Department has led the way toward national health care reform, introducing the All Kids program that provides health coverage to all uninsured children in Illinois.

Illinois also made strong improvements in its Child Support Enforcement program during Maram’s tenure, repeatedly collecting over $1 billion a year in payments and winning recognition as the most improved child support program in the nation.

In 2005, Maram was one of three state officials in the country to be recognized by the National Governor’s Association with an award for Distinguished Service in State Government, the first official from Illinois to receive the national award in more than 10 years.

"It has truly been an honor serving the administration of Governor Pat Quinn and the people of Illinois who depend upon the services of HFS," said Maram. "I am also tremendously grateful to the dedicated team of public servants at the Department who have worked so tirelessly to make our vision a reality."